Podcast Summary: The Rubin Report – “What I’ve Learned from 5 Decades of Making Music | Frankie Valli”

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of The Rubin Report, host Dave Rubin engages in an intimate and insightful conversation with legendary singer Frankie Valli. Released on May 3, 2025, the episode delves deep into Valli’s illustrious five-decade-long career in music, exploring his experiences, inspirations, and the enduring legacy of his work with The Four Seasons and as a solo artist.

Mutual Respect and Admiration

The conversation opens with Rubin expressing his admiration for Frankie Valli, highlighting the profound impact Valli’s music has had on him personally and globally.

Bill Maher [00:49]: "There's something about that guy's voice like nobody can do what Frankie Valli has done for basically six decades."

Frankie responds modestly, emphasizing the importance of performing for an audience and the lifelong relationship he maintains with his fans.

Frankie Valli [00:05]: "As long as you understand that you're not doing it for you and you're doing it for an audience who may be out there waiting to hear you."

Longevity in the Music Industry

Valli reflects on his extensive career, beginning in his teenage years. He attributes his lasting presence in the music scene to his unwavering passion and the dedicated fan base that has supported him over the years.

Frankie Valli [00:32]: "Doing what you love and them loving what you're doing. Anybody who could stay with you and be a fan for as long as some of these people have been deserves to get as close to you as they could possibly get."

Rubin shares his personal journey with Valli’s music, reminiscing about his childhood experiences and the cultural significance of The Four Seasons’ story through the Jersey Boys musical and movie.

Bill Maher [00:49]: "I'm from New York, I'm from Long Island, had a lot of family in Jersey. The whole Jersey Boys story is so connected to everybody that lived in that New York Tri-State area."

Exploring Frankie's Musical Evolution

The discussion transitions to Valli’s musical endeavors beyond The Four Seasons. Rubin expresses his appreciation for Valli’s solo work, particularly highlighting the album Heaven Above Me.

Bill Maher [03:00]: "My favorite album is Heaven Above Me, which I think came out in 1980. So this is like at the end of disco. And he did this incredible song. The album is Soul, Heaven Above Me, the title song, Soul is just an absolute banger."

Valli elaborates on his artistic choices, emphasizing innovation and personal passion over following musical trends.

Frankie Valli [07:57]: "We did what we liked. We weren't following any particular trend of any sort and probably were innovators very on. I mean, Sherry was so different."

Personal Encounters and Memorable Moments

Rubin shares a touching personal anecdote about meeting Valli unexpectedly at a supermarket during the COVID-19 pandemic. This encounter underscores the genuine and unguarded nature of their interaction.

Bill Maher [12:29]: "I told him, I want him to come sing at my birthday party... And there he is, thumping a melon, and it was enough."

Valli recounts his own experiences on the road, maintaining his enthusiasm for performing despite his age.

Frankie Valli [06:22]: "We get a mixture in the audience... What could possibly be better than that?"

Balancing Public Life and Personal Joy

The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining a public persona while cherishing personal moments. Valli discusses how the public sometimes misunderstands or takes advantage of fame, yet he remains committed to bringing joy through his music.

Frankie Valli [09:49]: "It's going to be exciting to put together the show and try to make it a little bit different, but still have the essence of everything that it originally had."

Rubin shares his admiration for Valli’s ability to connect with audiences of all ages, highlighting the intergenerational appeal of his music.

Bill Maher [17:19]: "My kids... they love it."

Family and Legacy

The episode takes a heartfelt turn as Rubin discusses his children’s love for Valli’s music, illustrating the generational impact of Valli’s work. Valli responds with warm sentiments about music’s role in family and legacy.

Frankie Valli [17:38]: "It's a good idea for every parent who has little kids to start them in and see if they could they have any musical ability."

Rubin shares a poignant story about playing Valli’s music during his dog Emma’s final days, emphasizing the deep emotional connections his music fosters.

Bill Maher [16:42]: "We gave her her last Tomahawk steak bone. And we put her in, and she was chewing on it, and we played Who Loves You."

Conclusion

The episode culminates with both Rubin and Valli expressing their mutual respect and appreciation. Rubin acknowledges Valli as one of the last living legends who continue to inspire and bring joy through his timeless music.

Frankie Valli [22:54]: "Frankie, Frankie, come on. We can do better than that."

Bill Maher [15:32]: "I can't tell you how many times we have had parties in this backyard right here. [...] That's the beauty of music."

Notable Quotes

• Frankie Valli [00:49]: "Anybody who could stay with you and be a fan for as long as some of these people have been deserves to get as close to you as they could possibly get when they can."

• Bill Maher [07:33]: "We're just about ready to do that."

• Frankie Valli [06:05]: "Doing what you love and then loving what you're doing, it's amazing."

• Bill Maher [17:20]: "They got it. These kids got it."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Rubin Report serves as a tribute to Frankie Valli’s enduring influence in the music industry. Through candid dialogue and personal stories, Rubin and Valli explore the essence of artistic passion, the challenges of maintaining relevance, and the profound connections that music fosters across generations. For listeners who cherish musical legends and seek inspiration from enduring careers, this episode offers both nostalgia and valuable insights into the heart of a true music icon.